Looking for the best ryokans in Nikko? Well, we’ve handpicked the best options for you, some of which offer a private onsen!
Nikko has to be one of the most charming cities in Japan as it’s tucked away in the mountains and is located at the entrance to Nikko National Park. In fact, the shrines and temples found here have been recognised as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To make the most of your experience, your best bet is to stay in a traditional ryokan (don’t worry, we’ll explain more about this in a minute). Many of these offer either a private or public onsen, and the cost will differ depending on which one you’d prefer.
To help you make the best decision, we’ve put together the best ryokans in Nikko (with and without public onsen). This way, you don’t have to spend hours researching when it comes to finding the perfect accommodation – we’ve already done the hard work for you. Let’s take a look!
What is a Ryokan and Onsen?
Before we go any further, let’s familiarise ourselves with the two terms as they’re going to be mentioned a lot in this article.
First of all, a ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that usually features Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats. You’ll often find that they have either private or public onsens, and offer local cuisine, so you can really get to appreciate the country’s culture.
An onsen is essentially a natural ‘hot spring’ and they play an important role in Japan’s culture. These spring waters are known for their therapeutic properties and rich minerals, and you’ll find plenty of them throughout the country.
Nikko isn’t the only place to enjoy a ryokan or onsen. Check out our guides on where to stay in Hakone and Kyoto for more incredible and traditional accommodation recommendations.
Why Stay in a Ryokan With Private Onsen?
Nikko has its fair share of ryokans with private onsen – they’re pretty popular! And that comes as no surprise. While onsens are a true Japan bucket list experience, public ones come with a host of rules foreign travellers may not feel 100% comfortable with.
For starters, you can only enter a public onsen completely naked – no swimming suits allowed. On top of that, there are separate baths for male and female visitors, so if you’re travelling with someone from the other sex, you won’t be able to enter the onsen together.
There are also rules around having visible tattoos in onsens – most of the time this isn’t allowed. If you happen to have tattoos, your best bet is to book a room with a private onsen, so the tattoo rules won’t get in the way of you enjoying a Japanese hot spring.
The Best Ryokans With Private Onsen in Nikko
Here are the best ryokans in Nikko with private onsen:
1. Nikko Senhime Monogatari
Nikko Senhime Monogatari is just a 5-minute drive from Tobu Nikko Train Station, and this place offers a free shuttle service. You’ll also be just a short walk from Nikko Toshogu Shrine, making it a great location to stay in during your time in Nikko.
There are a few Nikko ryokans with private onsens, however, this place has to be up there with the best. First of all, there are a variety of rooms to choose from, and many of them feature beautiful forest and mountain views.
The Japanese-style room with an open-air bath is the one you should go for if you’re looking for a private onsen. The hot spring is located out on your private balcony, and you’ll be treated to stunning views as you relax.
Nikko Senhime Monogatari also includes a traditional multi-course meal. You can really appreciate Japan’s culture if you stay here.
2. Iwaiyado Jyuan Ryokan
Next up there’s Iwaiyado Jyuan Ryokan. This is the perfect option for families as many of its Japanese-style rooms sleep between 3–5 people. Not only that, but you’ll be close to a variety of the city’s attractions.
All of the rooms at this ryokan are spacious and beautiful, but some stand out above the rest. At Iwaiyado Jyuan Ryokan, several rooms feature a private open-air bath.
If you’re looking to relax in the comfort of your own room, this property is a fantastic option. However, this ryokan does offer other spa services if you’d prefer not to splash the cash. The massages seem to be a big hit!
Iwaiyado Jyuan Ryokan offers a variety of other facilities too including an on-site golf course, a sauna, a games room and a restaurant. You’ll also benefit from their shuttle service, free WiFi, and laundry room.
3. Hotel Shikisai
Hotel Shikisai is one of Nikko’s most popular ryokans, and it’s not hard to see why! First of all, the property offers a free shuttle from Tobu Nikko Station so you’ll have no problems getting here.
Boasting an on-site restaurant, two public onsens, and gorgeous Japanese-style rooms, this place has so much to offer. There’s even a traditional multi-course dinner available, if you’re looking to try some of Japan’s delicious cuisine.
However, the highlight has to be the rooms that feature a private open-air bath, which is usually located on the balcony. The views from here are striking, and you can relax in peace, without adhering to typical onsen etiquette.
Many of the rooms at Hotel Shikisai sleep up to five people which makes them perfect for small groups or families. If you choose to stay here, you’ll also benefit from free WiFi and free parking.
4. Hotel Hanaan
If you’re looking for a Nikko ryokan with private onsen then check out Hotel Hanaan! It’s just a short walk from Kegon Falls and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lake Chuzenji right from the property.
What’s great about this ryokan is that there are two types of hot springs here: a sulfur hot spring and a typical alkaline hot spring. Both of them have several benefits when it comes to the mind and body, so make sure you try each one if you stay here.
Better yet, Hotel Hanaan also offers Japanese-style rooms that feature an open-air bath. The rooms are incredibly spacious, and your private onsen will be situated out on the balcony.
If you’re still not convinced by this place, then Hotel Hanaan also offers plenty of in-house facilities. This includes a restaurant, library, shop, massage chairs, and vending machines.
5. Hotel Manyotei
For those who are after a private onsen in Nikko, you’ll want to check out Hotel Manyotei. It’s just a short walk from Furukawa Falls and Aida Mitsuo Kokoro no Museum, so there are plenty of things to do nearby.
This ryokan offers 72 rooms, with the majority of them overlooking the river. They’re all Japanese-style and feature plenty of amenities including a safety deposit box, an electric kettle, and a refrigerator.
Although none of the rooms offers a private onsen, there is one available to use at the hotel. Just make sure you inquire about it upon check-in, because sometimes it can get fully booked up.
Hotel Manyotei has other fantastic amenities too including a games room, table tennis facilities, and wellness facilities, most notably a sauna and spa lounge. This ryokan also offers a free shuttle service and free WiFi in public areas.
6. Tsuganoki
Tsuganoki is another fantastic option if you’re looking for ryokans with private onsen in Nikko. This ryokan also comes with a spacious public onsen – however, it’s not open all day. So choosing a room with a private bath gives you access to the spring water 24/7.
One of the best things about this hotel is its fantastic location. You’ll be just a short walk from Tateiwa Viewing Platform Observation Deck, and Kawaji Onsen, which means you’ll be in a great location for exploring the nearby area.
At Tsganoki, several Japanese-style rooms feature a private open-air bath. It’s located out on the balcony and offers you the chance to relax in these spring waters in peace.
If you’re planning to visit Nikko, check out the Nikko Passes. They include a return ticket from Asakusa Station to Nikko, unlimited travel on busses and trains within certain areas and some extra discounts. It’s a great money-saver!
The Best Ryokans Without Private Onsen in Nikko
You’ll often find that ryokans tend to be more affordable if they don’t feature a private onsen. There’s no denying that Japan is expensive so you’ll want to keep that in mind, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
As we mentioned before, public onsens are much stricter when it comes to etiquette. However, if you’re looking for an authentic experience, then you may want to opt for a public onsen anyway!
1. Nikko Hoshino Yado
This ryokan is just a 15-minute drive from the Nikko Toshogu Shrine. There are a variety of Japanese-style rooms to choose from and some of them sleep up to seven people. This makes it the perfect option for groups and families.
Some of the rooms even overlook the ryokan’s Japanese gardens and Nikko Mountain, so you’ll be treated to stunning views. Depending on your budget, you can opt for a room with a shared or private bathroom.
Even though Nikko Hoshino Yado doesn’t offer private onsens, you’ll have access to a public onsen. It’s located outside and during the summer, the windows are open so you can enjoy scenic garden views while you relax in the hot springs.
Like many of the other ryokans in Nikko, this ryokan serves multi-course meals. These are all made with local and fresh ingredients, so you’ll truly get to taste the best of Japan.
2. Monogusa no Yado Hanasenkyo
Monogusa no Yado Hanasenkyo is located along the scenic Kinugawa River and is actually at the centre of Kinugawa Onsen. The scenery is amazing in this part of Nikko, making this the perfect place to stay.
All the rooms at this ryokan offer panoramic views, and the majority of them are Japanese-style with tatami mats. They sleep between two and six people and feature plenty of amenities including a TV, refrigerator, and air conditioning.
Although none of the rooms features a private onsen, there is a public open-air-hot spring located on the property. There’s an indoor and outdoor onsen, and each one offers a fantastic opportunity for relaxation.
If you decide to stay here, you (and your family) will also benefit from an on-site sauna, a children’s playground, and a restaurant. The latter offers a Japanese banquet, which consists of three local entrees.
3. Kinugawa Onsen Hotel
Kinugawa Onsen Hotel is just a short walk from Kinugawa Gorge and is in a beautiful location. Tobu Kinugawa Onsen Station is just a 7-minute drive away, and this ryokan provides a shuttle service so you’ll have no problems getting here.
The highlight of this hotel has to be the two public baths that are on-site: the Wooden Bath (Keikoku-no-Yu) and the Stone Bath (Yuri). Each one offers several different baths and a sauna.
After you’ve relaxed in the onsen, you can enjoy some of the ryokan’s other facilities. This includes a lobby area with a fireplace, a souvenir shop, reflexology treatments, and table tennis.
There’s even an on-site amusement arcade which is perfect for the family, and you can hire out a karaoke room too! If you’re still not convinced, then Kinugawa Onsen Hotel also offers buffet-style dining.
4. Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto
Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto is located alongside the charming Lake Yuno, which is surrounded by native trees. From the ryokan’s front door, there’s a 2.8 km loop trail which will take you all around the lake and allow you to explore the surrounding area.
This place offers a variety of Japanese and Western-style rooms and each one is spacious and features plenty of amenities. There are 63 rooms in total and some of them sleep up to 5 people.
What’s great about Kyukamura Nikko-Yumoto is that it features two public baths and two saunas (one for men and one for women). One’s located inside, while the other is found outside.
Although you need no further reasons to stay here, the food here is considered to be amazing! If you’re looking to try traditional Japanese cuisine then this is the place to do it.
5. Tokiwa Ryokan
Last but certainly not least, there’s Tokiwa Ryokan! It’s one of the cheapest accommodation options you’ll find in Nikko, so is a great option for those on a budget. There are both Western and Japanese-style rooms available too.
If you stay here, you’ll be in a great location if you wish to explore the surrounding area. Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chūzenji, and Tobu World Square are all within a 30-minute drive, so there are plenty of places to visit nearby.
At Tokiwa Ryokan, you can also use the public indoor onsen, request a massage, or try some traditional Japanese cuisine. There are also Japanese Yukata robes available to wear, so you’ll get a true sense of the culture.
There are lots of places to stay in Nikko, but this ryokan offers excellent value for money. With spacious rooms, ample facilities, and a great location, it has so much to offer.
Conclusion – The Best Ryokans in Nikko
As you can see there are plenty of fantastic ryokans in Nikko. Some of them offer a private onsen which you can enjoy right from your room, while others only feature a public onsen.
You’ll also find that some ryokans in Nikko don’t have an onsen of any kind, and these are often much cheaper. Hopefully, this guide has given you a good idea of the best options, and which ones are most suitable for you.
You might have already spotted the ryokan for you which means you can now start planning your Nikko itinerary instead!
